Extract:
“Venepuncture was attempted in the left antecubital fossa in a site previously used for cannulation with no evidence of inflammation or thrombosis. Initial venesection was successful, however blood flow then stopped. The needle was withdrawn, and surprisingly attached to the end of it was a thin, string-like structure (figure 1). Under tension, the structure had an elastic quality proximally with a firm, calcified distal end (figure 2) and its appearance was consistent with a vein rather than a nerve, artery or tendon. The location and size of the vein was consistent with the median cubital vein, and there were no clinical concerns regarding perfusion, sensation or movement.”
Reference:Wade K, Robertson-Jones B, Hutchison A. Externalisation of a vein during venepuncture. BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Feb 28;15(2):e246286. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-246286. PMID: 35228222; PMCID: PMC8886376.